Bupivacaine (Marcaine, Sensorcaine) shortage status
Widespread shortageTier 3: critical
Source: Health Canada shortage reports · Updated Sep 21, 2026
Also sold as: Marcaine, Sensorcaine, Marcaine Spinal
Bupivacaine is in a widespread shortage in Canada. 5 of 15 reported products are affected, and Health Canada has designated this a Tier 3 (most serious) shortage. The latest manufacturer estimate for full recovery is Mar 31, 2027.
A local anesthetic used to numb an area of the body during surgery, dental work or childbirth.
Products affected
5 / 15
In shortage since
Jan 31, 2018
Est. full return
Mar 31, 2027
Reports on file
56
Talk to a pharmacist
Pharmacists can substitute an unaffected manufacturer's version, adjust strengths, and in most provinces adapt or renew a prescription on the spot.
Independent services, not affiliated with rxstat; referral fees may apply. Free options exist depending on your province. In an emergency call 911; free health advice at 811.
Shortage history
Shortage history (red bands = periods in shortage).
Reports by product
The DIN is printed on your prescription label.
Active shortage
BUPIVACAINE HYDROCHLORIDE IN DEXTROSE INJECTION USP
7.5MG · SOLUTION · OMEGA LABORATORIES LIMITED
DIN 02512424 · since Jun 22, 2026, est. end Mar 31, 2027 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Active shortage
MARCAINE
150MG · SOLUTION
SOLUTION · PFIZER CANADA ULC
DIN 02241917 · since Mar 30, 2025, no end estimate · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Active shortage
MARCAINE
5.0MG · SOLUTION · PFIZER CANADA INC
DIN 02241919 · since Feb 21, 2018, no end estimate · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Active shortage
MARCAINE
2.5MG · SOLUTION · PFIZER CANADA INC
DIN 02241918 · since Mar 30, 2018, no end estimate · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Active shortage
MARCAINE
2.5MG · SOLUTION · PFIZER CANADA INC
DIN 02241918 · since Mar 20, 2018, no end estimate · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Active shortage
MARCAINE
5.0MG · SOLUTION · PFIZER CANADA INC
DIN 02241919 · since Jan 9, 2019, no end estimate · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Active shortage
MARCAINE
2.5MG · SOLUTION · PFIZER CANADA INC
DIN 02305895 · since Jan 31, 2018, no end estimate · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Anticipated
BUPIVACAINE HYDROCHLORIDE IN DEXTROSE INJECTION USP
7.5MG · SOLUTION · FORMATIVE PHARMA INC.
DIN 02536714 · Requirements related to complying with good manufacturing practices.
Discontinued
BUPIVACAINE HYDROCHLORIDE INJECTION, USP
7.5MG · SOLUTION · STERIMAX INC
DIN 02504979
To be discontinued
BUPIVACAINE HYDROCHLORIDE IN DEXTROSE INJECTION USP
7.5MG · SOLUTION · STERIMAX INC
DIN 02460645
Resolved
BUPIVACAINE HYDROCHLORIDE IN DEXTROSE INJECTION USP
7.5MG · SOLUTION · OMEGA LABORATORIES LIMITED
DIN 02512424 · ended Sep 11, 2025 · Requirements related to complying with good manufacturing practices.
Resolved
BUPIVACAINE INJECTION BP
2.5MG · SOLUTION · STERIMAX INC
DIN 02443686 · ended Dec 19, 2024 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Showing 12 of 56 reports. All reports are on file with Health Canada.
What's happening
Bupivacaine is currently affected by 5 active shortage reports filed with Health Canada by OMEGA LABORATORIES LIMITED, PFIZER CANADA ULC, PFIZER CANADA INC.
The reported cause is: disruption of the manufacture of the drug. Manufacturers must report shortages, but end-date estimates are their own projections and often move.
Health Canada has flagged this as a Tier 3 shortage, its most serious category, meaning the shortage has the greatest potential impact on the health system and alternatives are limited.
If your usual product is affected, a pharmacist is the fastest route to a solution: they can dispense an unaffected manufacturer's equivalent when one exists, and in most provinces can adapt doses or substitute a therapeutic alternative without a new appointment.
Bupivacaine is classified under “ANESTHETICS, LOCAL” (ATC N01BB).
Recent changes
Sep 11, 2026
Estimated end date pushed back : Dec 18, 2026 → Mar 31, 2027
Sep 11, 2026
Tier 3 designation changed
Sep 11, 2026
Tier 3 designation changed
Sep 11, 2026
Tier 3 designation changed
Aug 5, 2026
Estimated end date moved earlier : Jan 31, 2027 → Dec 18, 2026
Aug 4, 2026
New report filed
Jul 24, 2026
Estimated end date pushed back : Nov 30, 2026 → Jan 31, 2027
Jul 23, 2026
New report filed
Common questions
What is Bupivacaine used for?
A local anesthetic used to numb an area of the body during surgery, dental work or childbirth.
When will Bupivacaine be back in stock in Canada?
The latest manufacturer estimate is Mar 31, 2027. Estimates are self-reported and often slip; this page updates automatically when they change.
Why is Bupivacaine in shortage?
See the reports above; manufacturers must state a reason (most commonly manufacturing disruption or a surge in demand) when filing with Health Canada.
What can my pharmacist do about it?
Often quite a lot: substitute an equivalent product from an unaffected manufacturer, adjust quantities, or in most provinces adapt or renew prescriptions on the spot. Call your pharmacy before visiting, and call 811 for free health advice.
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Drugs in the same therapeutic class, best-supplied first. These are not automatic substitutes: only your pharmacist or prescriber can judge whether a switch makes sense for you.
Data reflects reports manufacturers are legally required to file with Health Canada, republished with per-drug aggregation by rxstat. Estimated end dates are supplied by manufacturers and frequently change. This page describes drug supply only and is not medical advice; never stop or switch a medication without speaking to your pharmacist or prescriber.